Cody Rhodes: World Title Material

[Uncle Sam]

Here's a list of people who I'd consider world title material on SmackDown!:

• Edge (because he has the belt, otherwise I might well exclude him)
• Alberto Del Rio
• Wade Barrett
• Kofi Kingston
• Jack Swagger
• Rey Mysterio
• Cody Rhodes

Only two of these man have been having what is quite likely the most compelling feud in the WWE. Only two of these men had the best match on the card at WrestleMania last night. We already know that Rey Mysterio is world title material.

Cody Rhodes has been on a long, well, road. Since being one third of the bread-and-butter bland Legacy, he's made leaps and bounds. His "Dashing" gimmick gave him what he lacked; character. However, it was somewhat undefined and generic. A little bit "light entertainment." Not to be taken seriously. A storyline about an exposed knee brace would change that.

With "Deformed" Cody Rhodes, Cody has really proven himself. He's had a solid gold feud - one with a good build, good writing and proper character motivation. Last night, Cody has a solid gold match - one which simultaneously told a compelling story and was incredibly exciting to watch. Michael Cole even did a great job of selling it. Like I've said, I consider it the show-stealer. You don't get a better WrestleMania Moment™ than that incredible Hesitation Superplex, or whatever it's called.

All that in mind, I think Rhodes should be in line for a title match - if not a title reign - in the coming months. With both Edge/Del Rio and Mysterio/Rhodes having some form of closure last night, I'd even find it acceptable for Rhodes and Edge to have a match at Extreme Rules. Mind you, as I'm sure Alberto Del Rio knows, Rey Mysterio is much easier to put a good match on with than Edge.

 

[MizFit Brocko]

Completely agree with your whole post, apart from the Kofi Kingston part, but that's for another thread.

Rhodes and Mysterio imo, was definitely the match of the night, and i think Rhodes definitely has what it takes to be a world champ. Mic skills are great, and the guy can wrestle a good match. Granted as you said, it was against Mysterio who is much easier to put on a match with than Edge. I still think Rhodes is more than worthy of at least an opportunity.

 

[Trance Metaphor]

I don't agree with Kofi Kingston, but that's not what this thread is for.

Hmm, let's see. Cody Rhodes definitely has an awesome gimmick that he's been using to his advantage. The guy has very smooth mic skills and his in-ring work is solid. I wouldn't say he's World Champion material just yet though. I find that he needs to further develop himself as a singles wrestler without letting that Tag Team involvement fluctuate his push every now and then. I believe he needs to win more matches in singles competition against top faces. Rey Mysterio is a good start. Until he defeats someone on the level of John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, Triple H, or Undertaker, he'll be ranked as a top mid-carder in my book. It's too bad that Smackdown doesn't have many top faces at the moment, which makes it harder for Cody Rhodes to promote his worth as a potential future World Champion.

 

[klunderbunker]

I was thinking this last night actually. I could see Cody getting a quick feud with Edge for the title but it'll likely be more Alberto since he'll complain about Edge messing with his destiny or something stupid like that. Cody has nailed his character recently and I'd love to see him get even a quick shot in the main event. Definitely not win the title yet, but a quick run there could work fine.

 

[FSWWE]

I dont agree with the Edge part and Kofi part!!
And where is Christian???

I could see Drew getting against Rhodes!!
I think that seeing every ex- partner confront themselves are always great matches!!!

I dont want to see that Ugly Cody Rhodes, because i saw, you all saw has nothing wrong with him :S
Rhodes should be drafted to RAW and going against Orton at SS and having the Aprentice defeating The Master!!! That would give him a Main Event push!!!

Can you dig, Rhodes as a face? Not now, of course, but one day!!

Oh Dusty Rhodes vs Cody Rhodes Promo has to be done, the son turn his back on his father and give him the Cross Rhodes!!!

And At Extreme Rules have a match Cody Rhodes vs Rey Mysterio w/ Dusty


Lol im turning on a Rhodes mark, because i have a bunch of ideas!!

 

[Trill Co$by]

First off, the only thing I hate about this list is Kofi being on there and you honestly believing that Edge is not worthy of the main event or world title picture. Before I go onto the main target I have to ask you...

What planet do you live on where it's custom to believe that Edge isn't worthy of that spot? The guy has been the face of Smackdown for years and if the Raw team had any idea how to develop anybody, he would be there too instead of smashing computers. Seriously, Edge is WAAAYYYY more than qualified to continue competing in the spot that he's at and until there's someone on Smackdown who can out draw his draw power, I have no problem seeing him as the champion or in the World title picture.

Now, finally onto the main topic. I will agree wholeheartedly that Cody Rhodes has the tools. Even as "Dashing" Cody Rhodes, he was had them. But there was something about Rhodes last night and in the past few weeks that have intrigued me. The remixed song and awesome video along with him becoming more Orton like is kind of awesome. By Orton like, I mean that he just has this sick presence about him.

Who knows, maybe Rhodes can become a World champion by world's end. I hope so.

 

[iheartfcw]

Rhodes is definatley pushing for the World Title along with Del Rio and Barrett. I feel Smackdown now will consist of 3 major heels (Rhodes, Barrett and Del Rio).

He is great on the mic, young, talented and a great heel persona. I would have prefered he win the Rumble instead of Del Rio but thats another matter. Push him as he most likely will be a major heel 10 years from now. Vince don't screw him up, he will be a great heel champion. Also this new twisted dashing gimmick is top class. It's gold!

 

[Starchild]

Cody has been absolute money since last year when he started the whole Dashing gimmick. This latest twist on it with the damaged face and the mask has added even more. I'm glad to see that he's been given a decent character and has run with it to make it a great one. It'll be interesting to see where he goes from here in regards to that. Will he stay with this for the foreseeable future, go back to Dashing, or maybe even an entirely new one?

I'm also glad he got the win last night. I was thinking he would, but always had that doubt since Mysterio normally wins at Mania. Rhodes deserved his win last night and put on what was surely one of the top 3 matches of the night. It was a great Wrestlemania moment for Cody.

I have said for years now that Cody was going to be the star of Legacy. I always thought he was better in the ring than Dibiase because he could do more than just your typical heel things which Dibiase does. Since I first saw this kid, I knew he was going to be special one day and he's only answered that thus far. We're seeing character development, and he's been improving in the ring and on the mic. I still think he needs more time before he's main event ready, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to seeing him get that elusive IC title reign. While Barrett has that for now, I'd like to see Cody go into a quick program with Edge maybe after Extreme Rules. Just to see how he does at that level. But rest assured, Cody is still young and the sky is the limit for this kid. He'll be a world champ one day before too long.

 

[Chill]

Absolutely. I have always found Rhodes to have that special 'something' we all like to talk about and I felt that way since his WWE debut when he worked a short series with Randy Orton. Even in Legacy, I always came on here and sang his praises and viewed him as the Legacy star who would go further, quicker. Thus far that seems to be happening.

I think we'd all agree that he first started coming to most people's attention when he started the Dashing gimmick, some people hated it and found it annoying, but the majority, certainly those on here found it fresh and were suprised at the personality Cody displayed, given that he'd had little opportunity to display much charisma while part of Legacy.

Fast forward to today and whether people like it or not, it's because of the Dashing gimmick that Cody got to perfom at Wrestlemania and the work he's doing as 'Disfigured' Cody Rhodes is also excellent, I find him to be very strong at portraying the character he's been given. I thought his match at Mania was a career defining moment for Cody because while it wasn't the greatest match of all time, watching it back again, it was very solid and enjoyable and it told a great story.

That is why the sky's the limit for Cody Rhodes who I think will feature more heavily in Smackdown main events, personally I'd like to see him run with the IC belt in the near future before finally taking his rightful and deserved place I feel in the main event. In short though, I think this guy has all the tools to be a great World Champion and I'm glad to see other people on here recognizing that.

 

[#1HEEL]

I'm finding myself cheering for Rhodes lately, and I agree that their mania match was probably the MOTN, though Triple H and Undertaker put on a classic, it was more the aurea of the 2.

I will take Cody seriouly when he wears knee pads.

He just doesn't look right without them.

 

[Mr. Artistic guy]

I agree with everyone on your list bar none. And isn't that interesting? And more importantly is it a good thing? You would think that there being so many guys standing on the edge would naturally be a good thing, but I'm afraid I'm sceptical. I try to think of the guys who, if they held the belt, I wouldn't be in the slightest bit disappointed at them being champion. Which guys are complete? The only names I can conjure are Del Rio, Big Show (he's always good and believable as a champion due to his size), Rey for one last title fling and maybe Swagger because his ability makes him believable. I'm also with you on Edge, never understood why anyone liked him, never will.

See now, Undertaker is gone, taking a break for who knows how long. Big Show has never been a great champion, he's good at best because once again he's buyable but he isn't anything special aside from his girth. The main event scene in Smackdown is really low threshold. Now it may sound like I'm ranting, not true. If I can quote DDP, "that's not a bad thing, that's a good thing". Why? A hole has been left, a ravine that needs filling in. Over the next couple of years we'll see all of these men grow to fill the shoes of the people before them because they haven't got a choice.

In short the youth movement in WWE is at that pivotal stage. This....THIS is when it's exciting to be a fan. We'll see legends born and sparks fly. And as you mentioned Cody is one of the chief beneficiaries. I keep mentioning this but by God do people realise he's still only 25? 25 and stealing the show at mania! I can't wait to see what he does next. I even have reserved hopes for Drew Mcintyre but I'll keep that on the low-down.

Either way Cody Rhodes will succeed, he will eclipse his brother and and be the deserving legacy to his legendary father. After all he is the "fortunate" son. I'm with you Sam.

 

[Nate DaMac]

I will say that he is World Heavyweight Championship contender material, but not quite World Title holder material. He's close though, he just needs a little more time. Personally I am loving the character and everything they're doing with him right now. I just don't think he is quite over enough with the crowd right now, but I have a feeling that he will get there soon enough if they keep going this route.

I just have the feeling that if they were to throw the strap on him as early as Extreme Rules, it could go terribly wrong like Swagger's reign. I just think he needs a little more time.

 

[ExtremeSwagga93]

Not yet, he's close, but still needs more time.

For me it depends on how far they take his new character. Since he's gotten it he's been on a well deserved roll. A good feud and win with/over Rey at the biggest show of the year, not to mention he showed he could really hang with the best of them when he teamed with Punk on RAW on Monday.

I say don't rush putting the title on him, we all know how that can really screw up a good push. Develope his new Phantom character a little, show he can be a real threat by having him feud with some of the top faces on Smackdown.

I don't know about putting the world title on him just yet, but i could see him contending for it in the near future.

 

[ryder123]

I Totally agree. Cody Rhodes has had a great few months. He sold that 619 back in January with such realism. I've alway's liked Rhodes ever since he appeared backstage with Dusty and slapped Randy Orton. His Heel turn at Night Of Champions, when he was revealed at Ted Dibease's Partner was brillant. But At Wrestlemania he proved himself in good Solid match with Mysterio. When the match started I honestly thought it was going to be slow so I decided too go make a burger. Then I watched it back and I'm sorry I missed it when it was live. Cody should definatley win Money In The Bank this year and cash in sometime next year...

 

[sharu7]

Completely agreed.

Hes got the looks, hes got the charisma, hes got a decent moveset.

He just needs to get over with the crowd more. Either he gets cheered or heavily booed. His current gimmick right now is pretty cool. Instead of a clear mask I'd give him some different type of a mask for a little while.

But if he wants to be a World Champion he needs to get himself built a little more. I don't want a skinny fella as my World Champion. If he does become champion with the physique he has right now, he wouldn't be a credible champion. How could he ever be a threat someone with his skinny little body.

So i think he needs to get a little more muscle on him, gain a few pounds and eat his vitamins. If he want's to be a world champion some day.

 

[Notorious718]

Cody Rhodes truly has evolved since his days with Legacy. I don't think many of us would've ever considered him to be world title material and many people (myself included) thought he would take a backseat to DiBiase. He really has impressed me in the past few months. I'm very curious what Rhodes would bring to the table as world champion, especially with his new "Damaged" Cody Rhodes gimmick. He's been nothing short of absolute gold in his recent promos and in his new character. Really, the sky's the limit for him and I really can see him becoming a serious, legitimate contender for the world title if not world champ himself.

 

[sharu7]

I also want to add:

I'd like to see him with the Intercontinental or Unites States title first. A good reign with one of these titles where he actually is booked to look strong can go a long way into building up someone for the world titles. Too bad the secondary titles these days aren't booked to mean much as it is no big deal any more when they are not defended on PPV. Maybe he'll win MitB and cash it in, or, hopefully, he'll just be elevated into the No. 1 contender's spot once Edge/Del Rio/Christian sort things out.
Nobody deserves it more. He's taken advantage of every opportunity he has ever been given, and in a big way. And I'm not sure there's a better worker on the roster. Amazing story of a guy that went from "2nd Generation Failure That Will Never Live Up to his Father!" to becoming one of the best young prospects in the business. I know he hasn't really been even close to a maineventer, but he is one of those guys that everybody seems to remember. He has been a good worker for WWE for quite a bit of time in his life, he has had some unforgettable segments over the course of his career, and WWE published his book recently.
Plus He's great in the ring, fantastic on the mic. Cody is hot right now. After Alberto del Rio, Cody is probably the second top heel on Smackdown right now (or at least neck-and-neck with Wade Barrett). I would not be surprised to see Rhodes as World Champion or competing for the World Championship by the end of the year.

Funny side note: he would be the first (and probably only) Rhodes to hold the World Championship in WWE.

 

[Long Island Iced WXYZ]

I'm a big fan of Cody, wasn't so much a fan a year ago when I was sure DiBiase would be a big star.

But he's done a great job with this gimmick and his "Dashing" one.

He can talk, he can put on a good match, Mysterio at WM, I can see him holding IC gold and then being a contender for the WHC down the road.

He pinned a legend in WWE at Wrestlemania, Mysterio, and they need to keep his steam going.

He's going to be a star, I can see it.

 

[TheKingHustla]

Cody is fucking GREAT! I'm glad the WWE is pushing him. He should seriously be in the title hunt after this Edge/DelRio/Christian stuff is over, because Rhodes is the future. At wrestlemania he really showed up and showed out. Especially with that stall on the superplex. That was amazing. He's becoming, imo, the must see (well in his opinion the must not see) guy on smackdown. Everytime his "Whoa" hits and his music starts, you know he's gonna give you something good.

 

[Theo Mays]

I've been saying it since he came into the WWE that Cody Rhodes has the makings of a superstar. I got a lot of flack from whoever would listen to me and then once Legacy came along I was still strong behind Rhodes while Dibiase got all the love. So it brings a smile to my face that Cody Rhodes is evolving himself into one of the most interesting superstars in the E today while Dibiase is doing close to nothing.

As for the topic at hand I'm with Nate on this one. Cody is definitely in contention for the World Heavyweight Championship, but I wouldn't put the strap on him just yet. Keep Cody in the upper midcard range, build him up as a rising star. Hell with the MITB PPV coming up in June or July that might be the perfect time to start moving Cody into the main event. Giving him the briefcase and carrying it around, much like Miz last year would do wonders for Mr. Rhodes. And if they really want to get behind him as a potential champion, what better place to cash in than at Wrestlemania XXVIII.

 

[eragon555]

Hell yes!! Even Randy Orton have said it on his twitter!!
I only watch WWE in a weekly basis for one year now, but i've followed it since Evolution!!

But in my prespective i think Cody Rhodes is very good!!
He has about 80% chance of getting the big one someday!!
Right now he is being pushed to up-mid card and he will most likely be drafted to RAW. (im really sure of it)

On RAW he should get the USA Championship reign for at least 4 months and feud with Randy Orton in some style of "Master vs Apprentice" and lose but look very well, as in ring, as in promos!!
Then maybe winning Money in the Bank, or a 1st contender match!!
I can see him being WWE Coward Champion!!

Hands Down for Rhodes vs Mysterio - Best Match of the mid-card feuds!!

 

[Toroc102]

It depends on how the draft works, but I would NOT draft Cody Rhodes to Raw right now, he has great momentum going right now and SD is perfect for him, he's already carved a spot out for himself there. I'm pretty sure he'd get buried on Raw.

Honestly, I think Rhodes has all the important factors going for him except that he may be too small. Yes I know there is some precedent but lets be honest, history says size matters and if anything will hold him back its his size. But like I said about Jomo, apparently the girls like him and I know Vince can respect that, hopefully it'll lead to a good run for him. But I don't think he's going to get the title this year, and I don't think he should. I'd find another good upper-midcarder for him to feud with for the year let him get the US belt and see how things shake out for him in 2012. Gotta be patient sometimes.

 

[Lion's Sacrifice]

I've really been impressed with Rhodes these last couple of months. I've loved his Dashing character, but he's sold me in the last month or so with this new darker version of his gimmick. At Mania he put on a great match, with rey. I'm not sure where he goes in the draft, I'm not sure if he should go to Raw or not. Feeling that he may get lost in the shuffle of things, with the hardly any focus on the Mid-card, however, I would love to see him have a feud with Orton. The biggest thing is they don't need to let him lose this momentum that he has now! The guy has been doing suburb since he broke away from Legacy. Moving up through the Mid-card, now I believe he should be utilized in the Main Event, maybe not win the belt right away, but let him get some experience under his belt, then put the title on later this year.

Also, kinda funny that out Miz-Morrison and Legacy the one that no one predicted going some where is now the best of the two. Just a thought.

 

[Amped08]

When I saw Rey dressed like Captain America going against Cody with his mask on, I realized how villainous Cody has become. He really has a "phantom of the opera" type thing going on. I think they need to change his mask to black and give him creepier ring attire. He could have a character who psychotically thinks he's hideous though everyone else knows he looks the same as before. Throw in some mysterious motives for his actions, and you could have some great feuds made up. Since kids already view Mysterio as a hero, he was the perfect superstar to kick-start Codys career. I'm real happy for the guy and I hope he wins Money In The Bank.

 

[GW_Hart86]

Yeah I think he is quite a talent and I agree with the previous post in regards to making his gimmick with the mask more "creepy" and "sinister". I think he has a lot of potential for the mid-card roster but as for main event material, he is no where near ready for yet in my opinion!

Although I like his gimmick, he looks quite weak and not heavyweight build. I think it would be stupid for him to move into the heavyweight title ranks becuase there has been too many physically smaller wrestlers in recent times at that level...rey myserio being the perfect example...

I'm not in any way suggesting that because he doesn't look like heavyweight material that he doesn't have the talent, he most certainly does. In my opinion, mid-card wrestlers are just as talented as heavyweight and should be considered on the same level. There has actually been times when I have enjoyed the mid-card matches better than the heavyweight!

So, albeit he has a great gimmick and character base now, keep Cody Rhodes mid-card for the time being.